«I need a dollar, dollar, a dollar is what I need.»

Feb. 5th 2014: Ok, just to make it clear right away: I am NOT a blogger. Since the dawn of the blogosphere, my prejudices have kept me far away from its kind. But as we all know, the first unwritten rule of a struggling actor in Hollywood is that «Everyone must accept some kind of prostitution in order to survive up until the big breakthrough.» So, I could have fulfilled the stereotype of waiting tables between my auditions, or I could do a «Sylvester Stallone» – but instead I am now spreading trivialities about my still-to-be famous self. Oh, the irony.

As my dream has already taken me to the abysses of the blogosphere, I might as well bring a healthy dose of self irony to it. You see, my first days here have not exactly been like a bed of roses. The standard is set at the passport control in New York, where the inspector keeps me waiting suspiciously long, making a number of phone calls and gathering many of his colleagues. After a thorough questioning, he pretty much sums it all up with the aptly comment; «Young man, you come here with five dollars in your pocket, you know no one, and you have nowhere to stay. You need to understand that it is a little difficult for me to let you pass.»  Once again, parents be my saviors, when he asks if they are able to support me financially. «Well, my dad’s a brain surgeon and my mum’s a lector», I say, and the officers gently follow me through the gates. Welcome to America.

The first days I eat, sleep and live on Hollywood Blvd. Yes, I’ve been there before, but it`s hard to get used to Starbucks looking like a mental institution with Batman, Spiderman and Betty Boop ordering «double non fat half decaf cortados to go». I meet my new roomie (thank you social media) and we start the remarkably exhausting hunt for shelter. Our requirements reflect our budgets – close to zero, that is – but the problem is that there is no such thing as low standard in Hollywood. Luxury is thrown at us. As the frustration is about to overflow («Is it freakin’ impossible to get an apartment without a swimming pool and a big-ass private gym?!»), we find ourselves signing papers for one that comes with exactly all that – but only one bedroom and no furnishing.

After signing, they tell us in their always friendly manner that we can`t move in until we fix insurance, gas, water and electricity – which is all added to the rent we already couldn’t afford. Three hours on the phone at Starbucks also tell us that none of these companies that we need can help us on weekends – which means back to the Boulevard and more (sorely needed-) money out of a hostels window. The beloved Walk of Fame has now become merely a Walk of Lame, as we can do nothing but save our money and worry.

But believe me – I did not go to Hollywood with empty pockets for nothing. One day, others will step hungry and desperate on my star like I’ve done myself since my arrival. Or, should reality struck me; at least I will have some good adventures to tell my kids one day.

Life 2.0 is Khrono’s new blog, and will be presented with new blogposts every week. Petter Egge is a former journalist at Khrono. He has decided to do something quite different: To go Hollywood. This are his stories.